This past month has been a whirlwind and has had everyone scratching their heads on what to do next. 2020, the year that was meant to change our lives, has dealt out what seems to be a pretty bad hand.
Like any other year, the Easter long weekend means spending time with loved ones, having an arvo BBQ with your mates, gearing up for a boujee weekend away or even just enjoying a nice cold beer at the pub. For most 9-5 workers, this weekend is usually the most highly anticipated weekend of the year. However this year it will be spent in self-isolation, or isocation as I like to call it #isolife.
After recently returning from overseas, I have found myself in isolation for one month. It feels like only yesterday that I was salsa’ing in a Cuban night club, sailing through the Caribbean and hiking up volcanoes. Coming back to #isolife has been a big change and the extra time on my hands has got my brain ticking. How can I make the most of my weekends at home? What can I do in the time I would usually spend commuting to work? And most importantly, how will I spend my 4-day long weekend?
So, here are a few iso ideas that might help you through this long weekend.
- Family feast with your house mates, partner, family (or whoever you live with). Coming back from overseas has got me obsessed with food and I have this newfound love for cooking. I’ve planned a Sunday roast with my housemates with all the essentials – including wine of course. Divvy out the dishes so everyone spends time in the kitchen and please make sure an Easter egg themed triple choc dessert is on the menu (the Easter bunny can survive during self-isolation).
- Live and FREE Instagram workouts.
Now I’m not usually the gym junkie in the office, but since doing FREE at home Instagram live works outs, I’ve never felt so energised, productive and motivated to do things with my day (like write this blog – haha!). A couple of booty burning accounts that I’ve been following are @keepitcleaner, @yiguyworkouts and @psyclelondon.If you’re not an Instagrammer, then why not breathe some fresh air and go for a walk in the park, by the water or even just around the block – it really does wonders for your mental health. And don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about the 1.5m rule. - Bake like a boss.
I’ve become obsessed with snacking and somehow, I find myself walking to the fridge every half an hour. Freshly baked muffins are my new addiction and are the perfect snack to get you through #isolife. My favourite combo is banana, choc and oatmeal. Seriously addictive and also kind of healthy…. I think? I added in chocolate chips to this recipe for extra deliciousness: cookieandkate.com/healthy-banana-muffins-recipe/ - Zoom quiz night and wine time. This is how I spent last Saturday night and it was wild. I can’t even tell you how competitive it was, even through a computer screen! All you need is a quiz master, a Zoom account, a few bottles of wine and you’re good to go. Definitely a fun night and gives you the chance to be a little creative with your questions. Also make sure you announce the winning prize – two rolls of toilet paper.
- MasterChef cook off.
Get creative and get everyone in the kitchen. It doesn’t have to be a 5-course meal, it’s just a whole lot of fun and is the perfect way to pass time. I cooked homemade dumplings which I’ve been wanting to try for years, and absolutely nailed it. 10 out of 10 for me and got the thumbs up from the bro’. - Arts and crafts on a sunny afternoon.
This is the perfect time to get your arts and crafts on. It’s surprising how peaceful and calming it is to go outside with some paints or a colouring-in book. A new crafty activity I’ll be trying this weekend is crockd– an at-home pottery kit, that teaches you how to make ceramics with your bare hands. It provides you with everything you need to make abstract cups, mugs, pots or whatever you feel like on the day. Check them out here: crockd.com.au - Marie Kondo your house.
Clean out your wardrobe or complete any lingering house-related jobs that you’ve been putting off for months (or years). Now this sounds super boring and is pretty much something I would never spend my weekends doing BUT it’s amazing how organised and productive this can make you feel. Trust me on this one and try it! - Keep the air fresh, and morale high.
Bring some life into your room, bathroom or kitchen with some beautiful indoor potted plants. The Leaf Supply is the perfect way to add a touch of greenery to your home and it can all be done at the click of a button. They are offering indoor plant and pot delivery services to transform your home office and to brighten your day. Jump on and have a look what’s on offer this month: https://www.leaf-supply.com/ - Fun online classes.
I can’t believe I’ve only just stumbled across this website. If you’re looking for fun indoor activities to enjoy from the comfort of your own home, then ClassBento has you covered! From terrariums and embroidery lessons to gnocchi classes, ClassBento delivers everything you need right to your door and live streams the workshops. How easy is that! With so many fun at home projects to choose from, these classes will keep me from going stir-crazy this weekend. https://classbento.com.au/live-classes-online
